This year, the Queensland
laws on smoke alarms changed. For
existing dwellings (houses/units), as of 1 January 2017, when replacing a smoke
alarm, it must be of the ‘photoelectric’ type (the ‘ionization’ type is no
longer acceptable under the updated legislation – an easy way to spot these is
by the radioactive sticker on them, as they rely on a radioactive material). Smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years
ago must be replaced immediately, along with any smoke alarm which does not operate
when tested.
These changes are
part of a larger movement to phase in safer smoke alarms that are interconnected
(meaning that triggering one will trigger all of the alarms to sound). The
rules that apply differ depending on the situation, as set out below:
New Dwellings
and Substantially (50%) Renovated Dwellings (starting 1 January 2017):
Smoke alarms must:- be of photoelectric type (as per Australian Standard 3786-2014);
- not also contain an ionization sensor;
- be hardwired to the mains power supply (with a secondary power source – battery);
- be less than 10 years old;
- operate when tested; and
- be interconnected with every other smoke alarm (all trigger together).
Properties Transferred/Sold or Leased or Lease Renewed (from 1 January 2022):
Smoke alarms must:- be of photoelectric type (as per Australian Standard 3786-2014);
- not also contain an ionization sensor;
- be hardwired to the mains power supply (with a secondary power source – battery), although dwellings existing before 1 January 2017 can be hardwired or powered by a 10-year removable battery;
- be less than 10 years old;
- operate when tested; and
- be interconnected with every other smoke alarm (all trigger together).
Existing
Dwellings (starting 1 January 2027):
As per the
requirements for Transferred Properties discussed above. Essentially once we
get to 2027, all property owners must be on board with the new laws. But for those property owners who
substantially renovate or sell/lease/re-lease, they will be forced to be on board sooner.
Interconnectivity
can be achieved by a wired or wireless method.
While our focus is on
the legal requirements above, earlier adoption of the new measures (rather than
waiting for 2022 or 2027 as applicable) is recommended/encouraged.
There are also specific
requirements regarding where smoke alarms must be placed, both within the
dwelling itself (i.e. which rooms/areas) and the placement of the smoke alarms within
rooms (e.g. distances from ceiling corners, light fittings, air-conditioners
and fans, etc).
For more
information, refer to this Information Sheet: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/smokealarms/Documents/New-Smoke-Alarm-Legislation.pdf
or the Queensland
Fire and Emergency Services website: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/smokealarms/
or talk to a professional appropriate to your needs (e.g. property manager, solicitor, electrician, etc).
Be safe and ensure you are compliant today!!! J